This year’s mild winter on the Western Slope may have affected skiers, but golfers can take comfort in the lack of snow.

The Yampa Valley Golf Course, which usually doesn’t open until April, is scheduled to be open to all golfers at 10 a.m. Friday.

“Last year we were only open 12 days between April and May, so it affected our financials,” golf professional Jason Back said. “We lost some of our play from Steamboat Springs and we are hoping to see more of those players this year by opening early and make up our losses from last season.”

Back said it would be walking only as the golf carts could damage the course this early.

A round of 18 for residents of Moffat County, Hayden and Baggs, Wyo., is $25, $20 for seniors, $9 for students and $42 for non-residents.

Seasonal passes are also available for residents.

— For more on opening day of the Yampa Valley Golf Course, read this week’s edition of the Saturday Morning Press or visit www.craigdailypress.com.